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If you’re looking for a natural way to support better sleep, these tart cherry gummies are a simple and effective option! Made with just a few whole-food ingredients, including tart cherry juice (a natural source of melatonin) and grass-fed gelatin, this easy recipe helps promote rest and recovery without any added sugars, dyes, or mystery ingredients.
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When I was a kid, “grape” was the only “fruit” flavor worth eating.
Lollipops, popsicles, snow cones, and gummies all had to be “grape.”
Cherry flavored anything was out of the question because it tasted like Robitussin cough syrup.
I put ‘grape’ in parentheses because I now know that grape flavoring is a combination of processed sugar and blue and red dye that tastes nothing like real, delicious grapes.
I also know now that real cherries don’t taste like gross Robitussin cough syrup. So, for anyone who is hesitant to try this tart cherry gummies recipe, let me set your mind at ease: They do NOT taste like cough syrup.
They taste like real, beautiful, juicy cherries, except you don’t have to worry about the pit! Plus, these are the perfect tart cherry gummies for kids. They will think they’re getting a sweet treat instead of a healthy gelatin-rich snack that will heal their gut and help them make melatonin for sleep.
What are Tart Cherry Gummies Good For?
I first started drinking tart cherry juice when I was pregnant with my first child after reading that it can help maintain healthy blood pressure. I knew enough women who had struggled with blood pressure during pregnancy to know that it couldn’t hurt to drink a little juice every day to keep my blood pressure down.
Then I learned that tart cherry juice helps our bodies make melatonin and can improve the quality of sleep. So, I switched from drinking cherry juice to making tart cherry gummies!
If you’ve had a baby, you know there’s nothing more frustrating than trudging through the day longing for sleep, only to lie awake at night thinking of all the things you don’t have the energy to complete. Thank you, pregnancy insomnia.
Thankfully, in two pregnancies, I only experienced this a couple of times, and I attribute much of that to this tart cherry gummies recipe.
In addition to maintaining healthy blood sugar and improving sleep, tart cherry gummies can:
Replenish minerals. Tart cherry juice is a good source of potassium, vitamins A, C, and K, and flavonoids, which are beneficial for overall health, especially kids who can be finicky with other nutrient-dense foods.
Reduce muscle soreness thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties.
Boost immunity. Tart cherry juice is rich in antioxidants, which may help support a healthy immune system.
Reduce uric acid levels, which can be beneficial to people suffering from gout.
Why Gummies?
Honestly, because gummies are fun! Tart cherry gummies are an easy, on-the-go alternative to drinking a glass of cherry juice. If you’re going out for the evening, all you have to do is sleep a couple of gummies in your bag to eat on the ride home, and you’ll be ready for bed in no time.
Plus, I’ve never met a kid who didn’t want a gummy. Ever.
When kids visit our home, I offer them a gummy, and never once have I been denied.
When to Take Tart Cherry Sleep Gummies
The best time to take sleep gummies is 30-60 minutes before bed. This allows the melatonin levels to rise in your body around the time you’re trying to fall asleep.
However, these gummies aren’t just for sleep! Because of the protein and amino acid content of gelatin, cherry gummies make a great snack for kids and adults any time of day, and they won’t make you drowsy.
Are Tart Cherry Gummies Gluten Free?
Yes, this tart cherry gummies recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients and Tools
- Tart cherry juice
- Honey
- Beef gelatin
- Saucepan
- Silicone gummy molds or a glass dish with parchment paper
What is the Best Gelatin for Gummies?
The best gelatin for making gummies is typically high-quality, unflavored, grass-fed bovine gelatin, as it provides the best texture, nutrition, and cleanest ingredient profile.
What to look for in a good gelatin:
- Type: Choose non-hydrolyzed gelatin (it should gel when cooled). Hydrolyzed collagen (aka collagen peptides) will not gel.
- Source: Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine gelatin is preferred for ethical sourcing and better nutrition.
- Purity: Look for products that are free from added flavors, sugars, and colors.
- Grain Size: Fine granules dissolve more effectively and evenly, preventing clumps.
My favorite gelatin brand is Great Lakes Wellness because they consistently meet all the quality standards and make perfect gummies every time.
Do the Gummies Taste Like Beef?
Nope! Good quality, unflavored gelatin takes on the flavor of whatever you add to it. In this case, they taste just like tart cherry juice!
Can I Make Cherry Gummies Vegan?
For Vegan gummies, try using Agar-Agar powder from red algae. Agar-Agar powder sets firmer than gelatin and needs to be boiled to activate. It also requires recipe adjustments (typically around 1 tsp of agar per 1 cup of liquid, but test your brand).
What to Eat with Gummies
If you’re taking these gummies as a supplement to help you sleep, you don’t need to pair them with anything, but a few ideas to enhance their melatonin-making benefits are:
- Herbal tea (chamomile, lemon balm, or valerian root)
- A handful of almonds or walnuts (natural melatonin and magnesium)
- A banana (rich in magnesium and tryptophan)
- Greek yogurt with cinnamon (for gut health and blood sugar balance)
If you plan to eat cherry gummies after a workout to reduce inflammation and boost muscle repair, try pairing them with:
- Protein shake or smoothie (especially with collagen or whey)
- Hard-boiled eggs or a boiled egg wrap
- Cottage cheese and fruit
- Tart cherry gummies + handful of pumpkin seeds (for protein, zinc, and magnesium)
If you or your kiddos are eating them as a snack, try pairing them with one of the following to balance your blood sugar and make them more satiating:
- Cheese
- A glass of milk
- Meat stick or beef jerky
- Clean deli meat
- Cottage cheese
Do I Have to Add Honey?
You probably think cherry juice is sweet enough on its own without adding additional honey.
I thought so, too, so I omitted the honey one time.
And instantly regretted my decision.
Adding gelatin to cherry juice seems to counteract the sweetness, so for me, honey is a must.
Try it both ways and see what you prefer!
Are Tart Cherry Gummies safe for kids?
Yes! because this tart cherry gummies recipe is made from natural ingredients, you don’t have to worry about adverse side effects for your little ones. The exception is if your child has an allergy to cherries, beef products, or honey.
optional add-ins
tart cherry gummies are naturally full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, but for an extra nutrition boost try adding:
- Acerola cherry powder. One teaspoon of acerola cherry powder will add a powerful dose of vitamin c and cancer-fighting benefits to your gummies.
- Cream of tartar (one tsp) for a natural boost of potassium.
- Pinch of celtic sea salt for sodium and trace minerals.
- Magnesium powder (citrate). Magnesium citrate aids in healthy digestion by helping the bowels retain water and move stool more efficiently. it also supports cardiometabolic, neurocognitive, and musculoskeletal health.
How to Make Tart Cherry Gummies
Step one: Measure 2 cups of tart cherry juice. Sprinkle 44 grams of beef gelatin on top and wait about 10 minutes for it to bloom.
(Blooming is the process of hydrating gelatin granules so they dissolve evenly and work properly in recipes. You’ll know it’s ready when you don’t see any loose gelatin powder and the juice has become bumpy and solid.)
Step two: Heat the gelatin mixture on medium-low until the gelatin has dissolved, about two to three minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will look like warm Jell-O.
Step three: Add honey and stir until combined.
Step four. Pour gelatin into your silicone molds or parchment-lined dish.
Step five: Place gummies in the refrigerator to set for at least one hour.
Step six. Transfer gummies to an airtight container and store for about a week.
Tart Cherry Gummies
Equipment
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Saucepan
- Silicone molds or an 8×8 glass baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups Tart cherry juice
- 44 grams Beef gelatin
- 1/4 cup Honey
Instructions
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the tart cherry juice and allow it to bloom, about 10 minutes (see note).
- In a small saucepan, heat the juice mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in honey.
- Pour the gelatin mixture into silicone molds or an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Allow the gummies to set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour (see note).
Notes
- When the gelatin is bloomed, you won’t see any remaining powder, and the juice will be semi-solid with a bumpy top.
- Don’t leave the gummies uncovered in the refrigerator for more than an hour, or they will form a crust on top.
Try Tart Cherry Gummies Today!
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these tart cherry sleep gummies are an easy win for anyone looking to improve their nighttime routine naturally. They’re great for kids and adults alike, and much more affordable than most store-bought alternatives. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in them means you can feel good about adding them to your evening ritual. Try a batch and see how they work for you—your future, well-rested self will thank you!
